AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach introduces KISIK Seafood & Grill: Living the Heritage, a weekly beachfront cultural dining experience held every Friday and Sunday, celebrating the living traditions of Flores and the wider East Nusa Tenggara region. Set against the backdrop of Waecicu Bay at sunset, the experience combines a seafood barbecue with authentic music, dance, and storytelling, offering guests a deeper connection to the destination’s cultural identity.
Living the Heritage transforms KISIK into a cultural stage, where guests are welcomed through a ceremonial sunset procession inspired by Manggarai traditions. The experience unfolds as a powerful journey, blending the island’s abundant seafood and culinary traditions with performances passed down through generations.
While Labuan Bajo is widely known as the gateway to Komodo National Park, its cultural richness remains less visible. Opportunities to experience Manggarai performances in a cohesive and accessible format are still limited, often requiring independent arrangements through local communities and tours. Living the Heritage brings these traditions together in one setting, offering a rare and thoughtful introduction to the region’s cultural wonders.
The program features a series of traditional Manggarai performances, each expressing a distinct aspect of heritage and community. It begins with Tiba Meka, a ceremonial welcome grounded in ancestral custom, symbolizing respect and the honoring of guests. This is followed by Caci, a rhythmic and highly stylized display of strength and agility, where performers engage in a ceremonial duel using whips and shields to the resonant sounds of gongs and drums.
The energy builds with Rangku Alu, a vibrant bamboo dance that showcases precision, coordination, and collective rhythm, often inviting guest participation. Throughout the evening, the melodic tones of the sasando, a traditional string instrument from Rote Island, provide a continuous musical thread, adding atmosphere and cultural depth.
Culinary offerings are presented through curated set menus designed to highlight the richness of Flores’ coastal produce and the elemental character of open-fire cooking. Each menu begins with a fragrant seafood soup infused with lemongrass, before moving into freshly caught seafood coated in traditional spices and charred over a coal grill.
Guests can choose from combinations featuring fish, squid, clams, and prawns, as well as elevated options incorporating lobster and generous seafood platters. Desserts draw on both tradition and contemporary interpretation, from classic pisang goreng made with local bananas to moringa financier with raspberry mousse and lemon curd. Set menus start at IDR 800,000++ (USD 46++) per person.
Living the Heritage reflects AYANA Komodo’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism, supporting local communities, preserving cultural traditions, and creating meaningful guest experiences rooted in place. Through partnerships with local performers and artisans, the program provides a platform for cultural expression while contributing to community livelihoods.
By integrating cuisine, performance, and its spectacular setting, KISIK Seafood & Grill offers a distinct perspective on Komodo—one that extends beyond its natural landscapes to embrace the beauty and complexity of its living heritage.
For more information and reservations, please visit AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach’s official website.
